By 2026, Formula 1 had finally become an arena for engineers and algorithms rather than people with nerves of steel. The new technical regulations, intended to make races more exciting and eco-friendly, in reality sparked a storm of discontent among top drivers. Fernando Alonso, in his trademark bluntness, remarked that now even a chef could handle an F1 car at such speeds. Irony? For those who remember the days when skill behind the wheel decided the outcome, it’s more a bitter truth.
The first tests in Bahrain and Barcelona revealed: the cars got lighter, but along with it, the very essence of racing vanished. The abolition of familiar DRS, the switch to fully eco-friendly fuel, and new energy restrictions—all have reduced drivers to mere bystanders, no longer the heroes of the track. Like his colleagues, Alonso doesn’t hide his disappointment: now it doesn’t matter how much talent you have if the electronics decide how much power you’ll get on the next straight.
Drivers against the rules
An unusual unity reigns among drivers: the new rules irritate everyone used to battling for every second. Lewis Hamilton was first to admit that the complexity of the regulations had reached absurd heights. Max Verstappen went further, accusing the FIA of killing the racing spirit. Even reigning champion Lando Norris confessed he doesn’t know if he actually likes what’s happening. In this company, Alonso isn’t just the veteran—he’s the voice of reason, unafraid to call things by their true names.
However, the discontent isn’t limited to words alone. At Aston Martin, where Alonso competes, the team has already openly called the pre-season start a failure. His teammate Lance Stroll criticized the new AMR26 car, and Alonso himself added a note of sarcasm, pointing out that now anyone could get behind the wheel and not notice the difference. Recalling previous seasons, when aerodynamics gave some an advantage while leaving others without a chance, Alonso emphasizes that now everything is decided not by the driver, but by how energy is distributed and how the hybrid systems work.
Speed without sense
The changes became especially evident on the Sakhir circuit. Alonso noted that in turn 12, you now have to drop speed by 50 km/h to save energy for the straights. In the past, these turns showcased true skill, but now it’s all about saving and calculating. The race is turning into a chess match, where the human factor takes a back seat. Even fatigue after two days of testing didn’t stop Alonso from poking fun at the organizers: if things keep going this way, soon the cars won’t be driven by racers, but by random passersby.
In this situation, it’s no surprise that fans are losing interest, and drivers themselves are increasingly talking about a Formula 1 identity crisis. Thinking back to the worrying signs that first appeared during the tests in Barcelona, when experts doubted Aston Martin’s readiness for the season, it becomes clear: the problems lie not only with the machinery but with the very philosophy of the sport. Where every turn used to be a challenge, now it’s just part of an algorithm that decides who gets to accelerate and when.
Loss of individuality
Alonso has faced changes in Formula 1 before, but he says the latest innovations have finally destroyed the driver’s individuality. Last year, everything depended on aerodynamics; now, it’s electronics and energy management. As a result, even the most experienced racers feel like hostages to a system where their role is minimized. Alonso’s sarcasm about the “chef behind the wheel” isn’t just a joke—it’s a bitter admission that the era of legendary drivers is coming to an end.
So far, the FIA is in no hurry to address the criticism, and teams keep searching for loopholes in the new rules. All that’s left is to watch as a once-thrilling sport turns into a parade of technology. Formula 1 may now be on the brink of its deepest crisis in decades. If nothing changes, soon the starting grid could be filled not with the best drivers, but with those who best mastered the manual for the new car.
Fernando Alonso is one of the most decorated and respected drivers of our time, with a career spanning eras of change and technological revolutions in Formula 1. His sharp remarks and sarcastic comments have always drawn the attention of not only fans, but also rivals. Over the years, Alonso has repeatedly proven that even under strict regulations, he can find unconventional solutions and fight for victory. His opinion on the future of Formula 1 is more relevant than ever, as such personalities shape the face of motorsport and set the tone for discussions on its development.
